Inflatable Light Ring
Lightweight Lighting Solution
Individual Project
Course: Lightweight Structures
RISD Wintersession 2019
Challenge
To create a continuous airflow inflatable product.
Research
I began my research for this project be assessing the qualities of continuous airflow inflatables, including how they compare to airtight inflatables. I found them to be durable, lightweight, scalable, but dependent an an air blower. The other two biggest components I had to research were the material of the product as well as the blower that would inflate it. I discovered that a very wide variety of both plastics and cloths can be used for constant air feed inflatables and that my decision for which to choose would likely come down to size, availability, price, and optimal construction method. I also had to work with availability constraints when choosing an air blower because I would need to use one of the fans provided through the course.
Define
Due to the open nature of this prompt and the versatility of continuous airflow inflatables, my research did not provide me with much clarity on the type of product I would be designing. I reflected on the elemental traits of continuous airflow inflatables and determined that I wanted my design to take advantage of the portable and scalable nature of such inflatables. I also knew that I wanted to focus on the function and versatility of the item. With this parameters solidified, I considered what item I could scale up significantly to have an equally useful but completely unique product. This quickly led me to the idea of a giant inflatable light ring that would provide an excellent light for numerous needs and situations and would be enjoyable to use and interact with.
Inspiration
These images served as inspiration throughout my ideation phase. By researching these projects I gained knowledge about light rings, existing uses of inflatable lights as functional tools and art pieces, and the role of scale and intensity in inflatable lights.
Ideation
Once I decided to create the Inflatable Light Ring, I was able to choose a thin white plastic sheeting for the main material and LEDs for the light source. I anticipated the possibility that the light would not be bright enough and considered possible ways to enhance the intensity of the light without adding more bulbs or power. I considered many different LED placement options, but the best solution came in the form of a sheet of reflective silver mylar that would be used like a mirror to direct the light toward the subject. I mapped out several different possible dimensions and heights, and after I solidified the final volume I was able to choose which air blower would be best suited for the task. The pole that holds up the light ring was the component I revised the most, and it took many drafts to determine what size and shape would best support the ring and honor the function of the object.
Process
I first cut each of the Light Ring pieces out of thin white plastic sheeting, and then carefully assembled them with permanent adhesives. I also cut a second back piece out of reflective mylar and attached it to the inside of the plastic back piece. Once mostly assembled, I outfitted the interior with LED lights and ensured that the mylar would reflect them well enough to create a sufficient light. I the tested the ring potion of the Light Ring before attaching it to the pole that would hold it up. This gave me the opportunity to assess how well the right inflated and provided light. Finally, I was able to finish assembling the entire Inflatable Light Ring and pair it with the air blower.
Solution
8’ x 5’ x 3’
Thin Plastic Sheeting, RGB LED Strip, Adhesives, Air Blower
I chose to develop a giant Inflatable Light Ring because it is a playful, useful product that capitalizes on the portability, condensability, and durability of constant air feed inflatables. The Inflatable Light Ring’s LEDs provide variable light temperature and intensity which makes it ideal for a wide variety of situations including film sets, product and portrait photography, indoor and outdoor events, job sites, and constructed social media photo opportunities. The semi-transparent white plastic sheeting functions as a diffuser for the powerful light which is reflected outward by the silver mylar that lines the inside of the back wall.
Next Steps
To take this project further, I’d develop a series of colored overlays which could be used individually or in multiples to create unique and dynamic lighting for whatever the situation may call for. I’d also construct a version from lightweight fabric as a first step toward creating an even more durable product that could have strong market potential.